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Hello friends,
I've been asked to return to Haiti for another volunteer trip to help Orphelinat Joie de Vivre (The Joy of Living Orphanage). The orphanage houses 28 children whose parents have died and their families are unable to care for them. Many of you know that abandoned children is a cause I'm partial to, so it is very important for me to channel that negativity into something positive. Most, but not all, of the children at the orphanage are sick with serious illnesses such as HIV, TB, rickets, osteomalacia and cerebral palsy to name a few. My trip a year ago was an incredible experience on so many levels. I lived through lots of bugs everywhere I turned, sleeping under a mosquito net, not flushing toilets if what's in it is "only yellow", no hot shower the entire time, near-constant power outages, drinking water that is unsafe to drink, cook or do dishes in.... the list goes on. While these conditions are unthinkable to us, it's just daily life there. The kids are happy to have all things they do have and every day they are alive is a blessing for them. The children are incredible in their outlook, positive energy, simplicity and happiness despite so many challenges, both physical and mental. With the hurricane earlier this year, the entire country of Haiti is still suffering and many more children are sick and/or homeless. So we are going back to continue the development of the property and construct additional living space and a school for the children. My list of items to bring this year includes first aid supplies, bug repellent, construction supplies and non perishable food items among other things. If you are able to contribute just a few bucks, please know that I will use your donations towards buying the supplies here in the U.S. and I will transport them to Haiti myself. (Thank you Delta Airlines for allowing me to check 3 bags at 70lbs each. I will definitely be at capacity again!) Last year funds raised in excess of the "wish list" went towards the purchase of a very much needed new set of tires on the functioning car that transports the children to medical appointments and is used for daily chores. This year the funds will be allocated to a new generator or for other needs for the children to be determined once we arrive. Last year I went home with empty bags and a full heart. I literally left even my own clothes and shoes behind and will do the same this year too. Thank you in advance for the support and love.
Happy New Year!
Michele
I've been asked to return to Haiti for another volunteer trip to help Orphelinat Joie de Vivre (The Joy of Living Orphanage). The orphanage houses 28 children whose parents have died and their families are unable to care for them. Many of you know that abandoned children is a cause I'm partial to, so it is very important for me to channel that negativity into something positive. Most, but not all, of the children at the orphanage are sick with serious illnesses such as HIV, TB, rickets, osteomalacia and cerebral palsy to name a few. My trip a year ago was an incredible experience on so many levels. I lived through lots of bugs everywhere I turned, sleeping under a mosquito net, not flushing toilets if what's in it is "only yellow", no hot shower the entire time, near-constant power outages, drinking water that is unsafe to drink, cook or do dishes in.... the list goes on. While these conditions are unthinkable to us, it's just daily life there. The kids are happy to have all things they do have and every day they are alive is a blessing for them. The children are incredible in their outlook, positive energy, simplicity and happiness despite so many challenges, both physical and mental. With the hurricane earlier this year, the entire country of Haiti is still suffering and many more children are sick and/or homeless. So we are going back to continue the development of the property and construct additional living space and a school for the children. My list of items to bring this year includes first aid supplies, bug repellent, construction supplies and non perishable food items among other things. If you are able to contribute just a few bucks, please know that I will use your donations towards buying the supplies here in the U.S. and I will transport them to Haiti myself. (Thank you Delta Airlines for allowing me to check 3 bags at 70lbs each. I will definitely be at capacity again!) Last year funds raised in excess of the "wish list" went towards the purchase of a very much needed new set of tires on the functioning car that transports the children to medical appointments and is used for daily chores. This year the funds will be allocated to a new generator or for other needs for the children to be determined once we arrive. Last year I went home with empty bags and a full heart. I literally left even my own clothes and shoes behind and will do the same this year too. Thank you in advance for the support and love.
Happy New Year!
Michele